Product Description

User Reviews

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Submitted by
Stephanie

Date Reviewed: September 8, 2013

Strengths: Strong frame, good components. Long lasting, still looks great.

Weaknesses: none.

Bottom Line:

I bought this bike new in 1998. It has been on all kinds of terrain and abuse. Never had any issues with the paint like others have mentioned. There are a couple chips in the paint but it is almost 17 years old! Frame is still in perfect condition. I rebuilt the shocks about 2 years ago and it is still functioning flawlessly. Still the proud owner of this bike. Only wish I could upgrade to disc brakes.

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Submitted by
Thomas McBride

Date Reviewed: September 1, 2013

Strengths: I have a 1997 Klein Pulse Pro solar yellow with Cane Kreek Cronos wheels, Thudbuster suspension seat post, used in 2 US NORBA National races and a few local races. Insane climber as it is a super-light hardtail with responsive handling downhill.

Weaknesses: Paint chips, a few of those. Really no weaknesses except for the Rock Shox Judy SL is a bit tinny with big hits.

Bottom Line:

Overall, a legendary bike with a 2.9lb frame. I have one to sell (sapienstom@aol.com)

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Submitted by
John Robins
a Cross Country Rider
from Stratford-upon-Avon, UK

Date Reviewed: August 1, 2006

Strengths: Frame: Strength, handling and build quality.

Weaknesses: As mentioned by all other reviewers the paint, I bought mine 6 months old immediately stripped it and had it professionally painted, Klein sent me free frame decals the first time, 10 years later when I gave it another complete refurb they sent the same decals out again, free of charge. Manitou's aren't fantastic,

Bottom Line:

The bottom line? I've had this bike over ten years now! I use it virtually every day for training. The frame is flawless, the welding is superb, the guy who mentioned the welding was poor obviously doesn't weld, is blind or had a bike that wasn't a Klein with Klein stickers on it!

Strengths: The frame on the Pulse Pro was inspired by God. Light, climbs like a mountain goat, decends like water flowing downhill, and corners on rails. This bike is a dream to ride.

Weaknesses: Paint sucks. Original component package isn't the best, but lasts forever. The manitou pro forks are soild, but outdated.

Bottom Line:

If you can get your hands on one of these frames, do it. I have tested comparable products from the 2000/2001 prodcut lines of Rocky Mountain, GT, Schwinn, & Trek... while the component packages are better today, no one comes close to the frame rigidity and responsiveness of the 97' Pulse Pro. If you are conisdering a new bike, make sure you ride the Kliens, I mean really ride them. This is a huge purchase, the biek shop should let you take the bike out for a good ride, if they don't... find a new shop.

Weaknesses: The Manitou Pro fork is not on the same level with the rest of the bikes components. The wonderful frame needs a more adjustable fork, like a SID for example. The stock tires are good only on dry surfaces. The WTB saddle and the TREK post are way too heavy. In fact the seatpost weighs 395g!! - on a 23.9 pound bike...

Bottom Line:

After having ridden a newer bike for a couple of months the top quality of my old Klein has become more and more evident. The ride is something special - the bike can be hammered uphill, downhill or on flat surfaces, and it does well everywhere. The frame is ultra-stiff and still very good on the technical stuff. If you are a serious cross-country rider and still can find a Pulse Pro somewhere, especially as a frameset, don't think twice - buy it. You won't be disappointed. My Pulse Pro is not for sale though!

One more thing. DO NOT!!!!! DO NOT!!! use a pressure washer on this bike, not even a slightly powerful hose. Or you will notice that there were a lot of black chips in the dirt you washed off. High pressure eats the paint right off this frame!!!!!!

This bike Rocks. It is light and stiff, and easy to portage when necessary. It draws rave reviews and jealous stares everywhere I take it. I always wanted a Klein. However the bike shop in Virginia Beach lied about it's age. They said that it was a 98. Oh well. I love it anyway. I will upgrade the 97 Manitou Pro to a 99 Z2 Superfly, though. Happy riding!

a great performing frame . Good platform for upgrades . However , it could do with a bit more compliancy . I like the geomtery .... long , great for the climbs . However , I would find the headtube angle a tad too steep . Its sketchy on the downhills because of that . One bad thing about this frame is its paintjob . It peels too easily ... and it wont last . Although it wouldnt affect performance .... but its irritating to see the paint peeling . YUCKS . Overall a billiant chassis ..... just that the paint job lets it down .

Strengths: This bike is an excellent choice in the aluminum bike category. It handles better than any bike I've ridden. It rides stiff, but not as bad as cheapo aluminum. Geometry is spot on, but I shortened up the stem. Light, responsive, and very agile. ESP 9.0 shifters work extremely well, but you'll need to keep the rear deurallier clean.

Weaknesses: LX front deurallier doesn't cut it. I upgraded to an XT. Bontrager mustang rims good for price, but I have an XTR set on now. Ride still a little harsh compared to my Trek 970 OXIII bike I used to ride. Manitou Pro front fork is the price comprimise on this bike. It has loosened up on me so the extremely crisp handling the bike had when it was new has become more sloppy. This is my next upgrade.

Bottom Line:

Excellent frame that can be upgraded to a world class bicycle. You can get leftovers cheap now. Might also want to look at an Attitude or Adroit if you like fast handling bikes.

Although I enjoy riding in the french alpes, I just don't get out there with my bike all that often. On a daily basis I ride this bike in the streets of Chicago, where you really need the shocks considering the quality of the roads here. This bike not only looks really cool but rides really cool. Everything is firm and reliable, I've never had to repair anything, and it had to suffer: I got in a car accident with this bike, and guess what: I wrecked the car (door out of hinges, front panel loose), not a scratch or bend on the Klein. Need I say more?

Weaknesses: I find it too stiff, coz I still use the entry-level Manitou Pro 97 that it came with: An upgrade to a bomber is on the way!!

Bottom Line:

I love this bike. It's absolutely bombproof yet light. I hope to be able to keep using for many years to come. As it is, it's a great platfom for upgrading of parts. Definitely 5 chillies. This bike is my baby!